Herald Weekly calendar for April 5-11

• AUTOFAIR: The world’s largest automotive extravaganza returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. South, until April 7. The Food Lion AutoFair brings together thousands of automobiles, collector car auctions, 10,000 vendor spaces, a massive manufacturer midway and a kids' play zone. The fair runs from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 7. Tickets cost $10 for adults and children 13 and younger are admitted for free. Visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 704-465-3200 for more information.

April 5

• GARDEN TRIP REGISTRATION: Registration ends for the Town of Huntersville-sponsored trip to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden on April 20. The trip costs $18 per person and includes transportation and admission. The 380-acre garden, located along the banks of Lake Wylie, includes 12 water fountains, a 13,500-square-foot visitor pavilion and themed gardens. The tour group leaves at 9:30 a.m. at the Town Center, 105 Gilead Road, and returns at 2:30 p.m. Call 704-766-2220 for more information on how to register.

April 6

• RAPTOR PHOTO SHOOT: The Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, hosts PhotoWILD, a photo shoot of its resident raptors. Each day in the two-day event highlights more than 20 different raptors in unique settings. The first day starts with a 7:30 a.m breakfast, followed by six 30-minute photo sessions. One- and two-day passes are available. One-day passes for Raptor Center members cost $65, $90 for non-members and $40 for students. Two-day passes cost $100 for Raptor Center members, $150 for non-members and $60 for students. Contact event coordinator Amber Rosintoski at 704-875-6521 ext. 207 or arosintoski@carolinaraptorcenter.org for more information.

April 7

• DANCE PARTY: Banquet and Ballroom, formerly the Havana Social Club, holds a free dance party at 2 p.m., to celebrate the opening of its newest location for ballroom dance instructions at 10616 Bailey Road, Suite J, Cornelius. The event includes refreshments, a disc jockey and free dance lessons. Visit Banquetandballroom.com or call 704-892-7000 for more information.

April 8

AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES: Davidson College invites residents to a talk entitled “Race, Resistance and Quiet,” by Associate Professor of African American Studies Kevin Quashie. The free event begins at 7 p.m. in Hance Auditorium of the Chambers Building. Call 704-894-2713 for more details.

April 9

• SIGN UP FOR NEWCOMERS: Prepaid reservations are due for getting a spot when Newcomers of North Mecklenburg and South Iredell, a ladies social club, holds its monthly luncheon business meeting at 11:30 a.m. at Northstone Country Club, 15801 Northstone Drive, Huntersville. The Newcomers Club strives to welcome ladies of all ages to the community and to offer them an opportunity to make new friends and become familiar with the area. Email info@newcomersmeck-ire.com to make a reservation. Visit www.newcomersmeck-ire.com for more information.

• TASTE OF ART: The Community Arts Project hosts its Taste of Art fundraising party and art auction at The Fresh Market, 20623 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius from 8- 10 p.m. The event includes a silent auction and raffle as well as art. Hors d’oeuvres and wine-tasting will be provided by Fresh Market. Tickets purchased in advance cost $30 each. Tickets at the door cost $35 each. Call 704-896-8823 for tickets.

April 12

• FREEDOM FEST: Journey Church, 15711 Brookway Drive, Huntersville, hosts The Father’s House Freedom Fest from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The free event is suitable for all ages. It includes arts and crafts and a food festival, as well as live entertainment and a silent auction. Kids can enjoy cultural games and gain a greater understanding of the Ghanaian culture. Call 704-608-1902 for more information.

April 13

• PADDLEFEST: The Davidson Land Conservancy and My Aloha Paddle Sports and Fitness host Lake Davidson’s PaddleFest 2013 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Lake Davidson Nature Preserve, 750 Jetton Street, Davidson, behind Davidson Day School. The free event includes live music, introductory kayak and paddleboarding demonstrations, dragonboats and clipper war canoes, storytelling, and tours of the preserve walking trail. Participants who have their own boats or boards are encouraged to bring them, as well as life jackets. Life jackets and waivers are a requirement for any on-the-water activities. Attendees are encouraged to donate to the Davidson Land Conservancy. Call 973-219-9076 for more details.